VISITORS to Meredith Street in Crewe could be forgiven for thinking that England have already won the World Cup.

Residents have got behind the England team in spectacular fashion with banners and bunting and the flag of St George decorating their 'local', the Nag's Head pub.

Residents got into the spirit of the tournament well before it kicked off on June 9.

Ladders were brought out at the end of May to fix up banners on the front of houses and bunting which crisscrosses the narrow street.

'There is a real community spirit. It's great that everyone has joined in,' said resident Matthew Latham.

'Events like the World Cup really bring people together. Community spirit is riding high and there's a great feeling of patriotism and pride.'

Neighbours were thrilled at England's win on Sunday. The Nag's Head was packed out with families watching the match against Ecuador.

Their cheers when David Beckham scored an unstoppable free kick could be heard in neighbouring streets.

Mr Latham added: 'Families along Meredith Street have made a big effort with their decorations.

'We hope to inspire everyone to get behind the lads in Germany.'

Vows and victory > > >

Vows and victory

NO ONE will forget where they were on July 30, 1966.

The entire country was glued to television or radio as England won what will hopefully soon become the first of two World Cup victories.

Except, that is, for Terry Bazley, of Badger Avenue in Crewe, and his wife Muriel who had unwittingly double-booked the most important day in the history of the national game with the most important day of their life - their wedding.

They arranged the ceremony at St Mary's Church in Crewe months before the big day and only realised their dilemma as the tournament drew close.

Decades later they are celebrating their 40th anniversary and the World Cup tournament.

Terry, 60, said: 'We can look back on it and smile now but it was a real worry at the time because we didn't know if anyone would attend.

'They were moaning and saying 'Don't you realise what day it's on'.

'When it came to the big day the vicar had to stop mid-vows when one young lad, listening to the game on headphones, starting screaming 'they've scored!' What a day it was.'

Once they were man and wife, the focus immediately switched from the happy couple to watching the footie.

The couple are planning to invite many of the original congregation and best man Terence Spencer to their 40th anniversary party on July 30.